Exhaust extraction system

ABSTRACT

An exhaust extraction system for a train is disclosed. The system includes: a stationary duct having a duct wall that defines a plurality of openings; a suction source for creating suction in the interior of the stationary duct; at least one cover flap covering the plurality of openings; a guide track extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relation to the stationary duct; and a carriage that is movable along the guide track. The carriage includes an exhaust duct having an outlet at a first end and an inlet at a second opposite end, the inlet for receiving exhaust gas from a locomotive, and a support frame for supporting the exhaust duct in a fixed vertical position. The carriage is operable to move the at least one cover flap to uncover one or more of the plurality of openings that align with the outlet as the carriage moves along the guide track.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to ventilation systems and, in particular, to systems for capturing and removing exhaust gases emitted from vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Transport vehicles of various types, such as trucks and trains, emit exhaust gas as a result of combustion of fuels by their engines. For example, a diesel locomotive of a train produces diesel combustion exhaust during its operation. Emissions from diesel vehicles pose significant health concerns. In particular, exposure to diesel exhaust and diesel particulate matter is an occupational hazard to railroad and train garage/depot workers, residents in the vicinity of rail yards, and miners using diesel-powered equipment in underground mines.

Local exhaust ventilation systems are designed to reduce exposure to harmful airborne contaminants, such as gases, vapours, and fumes, in a workplace. It would be advantageous to provide a ventilation system that is suitable for installation and operation in facilities for maintaining trains.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example exhaust extraction system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the example exhaust extraction system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example exhaust extraction system of FIG. 1 along line 1-1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another example exhaust extraction system.

Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elements and features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes an exhaust extraction system for a train. The system includes: a stationary duct extending longitudinally along a first axis, the stationary duct having a duct wall that defines a plurality of openings providing passage to an interior of the stationary duct; a suction source for creating suction in the interior of the stationary duct; at least one cover flap covering the plurality of openings, the at least one cover flap being positioned on an exterior surface of the duct wall; a guide track extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relation to the stationary duct; and a carriage that is movable along the guide track. The carriage includes: an exhaust duct having an outlet at a first end and an inlet at a second end opposite to the first end, the inlet for receiving exhaust gas from a locomotive; and a support frame for supporting the exhaust duct in a fixed vertical position and substantially perpendicular to the stationary duct, wherein the carriage is operable to move the at least one cover flap to uncover one or more of the plurality of openings that align with the outlet as the carriage moves along the guide track.

In some implementations, the plurality of openings may be arranged longitudinally in spaced relation to each other along an upper portion of the stationary duct.

In some implementations, the guide track may comprise one or more guide rails and the carriage may be movably mounted on the one or more guide rails.

In some implementations, the carriage may further include one or more wheels that are rotatably mounted on the one or more guide rails.

In some implementations, the guide track may comprise a pair of parallel rails

In some implementations, the carriage may further include one or more wheels that are rotatably mounted on the one or more guide rails.

In some implementations, the carriage may comprise a trolley that is supported on the one or more guide rails.

In some implementations, the stationary duct and the one or more guide rails may be configured to be supported from ceiling joists.

In some implementations, the at least one cover flap may be made of an elastic material and the support frame may support the exhaust duct such that at least part of the outlet is slidably maintained between the duct wall and the at least one cover flap.

In some implementations, the at least one cover flap may comprise a single cover flap covering all of the plurality of openings.

In some implementations, the exhaust duct may include a flange at the first end and the support frame may support the exhaust duct such that the flange cooperates with the exterior surface of the duct wall to form an air-tight seal.

In some implementations, the at least one cover flap may comprise a plurality of cover flaps, each cover flap covering a respective opening.

In some implementations, the carriage may further include one or more retractable projections that are configured to push against cover flaps for the plurality of openings to cause the cover flaps to be displaced from a closed position to an open position.

In some implementations, the exhaust duct may comprise a duct pipe.

In some implementations, the support frame may support the exhaust duct such that the inlet is maintained a fixed horizontal distance away from the stationary duct.

In some implementations, the exhaust duct may be affixed to the support frame.

In some implementations, the system may further comprise an electric motor which drives movement of the carriage along the guide track.

In some implementations, spacing between adjacent openings on the duct wall may be uniform.

In some implementations, the guide track may be positioned vertically above the stationary duct.

In some implementations, the plurality of openings may comprise at least one pair of openings that are aligned along a cross-sectional perimeter of the stationary duct.

In some implementations, the second end of the exhaust duct may be configured for connection to an exhaust pipe of a locomotive or other type of vehicle.

Other example embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the following detailed descriptions in conjunction with the drawings.

In the present application, the term “and/or” is intended to cover all possible combination and sub-combinations of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, and without necessarily including additional elements.

In the present application, the phrase “at least one of . . . or . . . ” is intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, without necessarily excluding any additional elements, and without necessarily requiring all of the elements.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which show an example exhaust extraction system 100. The exhaust extraction system 100 may be used for capturing and removing gas emitted from trains. The exhaust extraction system 100 may be installed in the interior of a facility 500 for performing repair and maintenance on trains. For example, the exhaust extraction system 100 may be located in a repair or servicing depot for trains. As will be described below, the exhaust extraction system 100 may be used to extract exhaust gases emitted from a locomotive or railcar as it moves through the facility 500.

The exhaust extraction system 100 includes a stationary duct 102. The stationary duct 102 is a duct that extends horizontally along a section spanning a fixed distance in the interior of facility 500. In particular, the stationary duct 102 extends longitudinally along an axis for at least a predetermined first distance. For example, the stationary duct 102 may extend lengthwise between a first location 170 and a second location 180 in the interior of facility 500. The stretch of space between the first location 170 and the second location 180 may represent a portion or entirety of the navigable space of facility 500. The first location 170 and the second location 180 may, for example, correspond to opposite ends of a parking space for a locomotive inside the facility 500.

The stationary duct 102 includes a duct wall 105 that defines an interior space of the stationary duct 102. In at least some embodiments, the stationary duct 102 may comprise a pipe or a plurality of pipes connected in series. The stationary duct 102 serves as a conduit for exhaust gas that is collected from a locomotive, railcar, etc. For example, the extracted exhaust gas may be removed from, treated in (e.g. purified), and/or directed to be recirculated from the stationary duct 102.

The stationary duct 102 is connected to a suction source 103. Specifically, a suction source 103 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the stationary duct 102. The suction source 103 is configured to create suction in the interior space of the stationary duct 102. For example, the suction source 103 may be a vacuum pump or a ventilation fan that is driven by a motor. The suction source 103 creates a partial vacuum within the stationary duct 102, causing inflow of air into the interior space of the stationary duct 102.

As shown in FIG. 1, the duct wall 105 of the stationary duct 102 defines a plurality of openings 106. The openings 106 provide passage to the interior of the stationary duct 102 from outside the stationary duct 102. In particular, the openings 106 allow fluids (e.g. gas) to flow through the duct wall 105 and into the interior space of the stationary duct 102.

The openings 106 may be arranged longitudinally in spaced relation to each other on the duct wall 105. In particular, the openings 106 may be located along an upper portion of the stationary duct 102. For example, the openings 106 may be defined on the upper half of the duct wall 105. The openings 106 may also be aligned longitudinally on the duct wall 105. In some embodiments, two or more of the openings 106 may be circumferentially aligned on the stationary duct 102. That is, two or more openings 106 may be positioned along a line on the circumference of the stationary duct 102. More generally, at least one pair of openings 106 may be aligned along a line on the cross-sectional perimeter of the duct wall 105, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stationary duct 102.

In some embodiments, the openings 106 may have predefined minimal dimensions. For example, the cross-sectional width of each opening 106 may be greater than or equal to 6 inches. The spacing between adjacent openings 106 may be uniform. That is, each pair of adjacent openings 106 may be separated by the same predefined distance. For example, the openings 106 may be positioned in increments of 8 inches along the length of the stationary duct 102.

The exhaust extraction system 100 includes at least one cover flap 108 for covering the openings 106. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a single cover flap 108 is shown, covering all of the openings 106. The cover flap 108 is mounted on the exterior surface of the duct wall 105 such that it covers the openings 106. The cover flap 108 may be positioned on an upper portion of the stationary duct 102. For example, if the plurality of openings 106 are located on the upper half of the duct wall 105, the cover flap 108 may be similarly positioned in the upper half. In its natural position, the cover flap 108 covers the openings 106. In particular, due to the effect of gravity acting on the cover flap 108 and suction pressure produced in the interior of stationary duct 102 by the suction source 103, the cover flap 108 keeps the openings 106 covered/closed in its natural position.

The cover flap 108 may be constructed of an elastic material, such as neoprene or rubber. More generally, the cover flap 108 may be made from a flexible and durable material, allowing the cover flap 108 to be stretched or bent.

In some embodiments, the exhaust extraction system 100 may include multiple different cover flaps 108. Each cover flap 108 may be configured to cover a respective opening 106. The cover flaps 108 may be hingedly attached to the exterior surface 190 of the duct wall 105. For example, for each of the openings 106, a respective cover flap 108 may be located adjacent to the opening and connected, via a hinge, to the exterior surface 190 of the stationary duct 102 such that the cover flap 108 covers the opening. Each cover flap 108 may be moved between a closed position, in which the cover flap 108 covers the respective opening, and an open position, in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the cover flap 108. In the open position, a cover flap 108 may swing outwardly away from the opening 106. Alternatively, the cover flaps 108 may be attached to the interior surface of the duct wall 105, adjacent to respective openings 106. In the open position, a cover flap 108 may swing inwardly away from the opening 106 and toward the central longitudinal axis of the stationary duct 102.

The exhaust extraction system 100 includes a guide track 104. The guide track 104 extends longitudinally in spaced parallel relation to the stationary duct 102. For example, the guide track 104 may extend, at least, between the first location 170 and the second location 180 in the facility 500. In at least some embodiments, both the stationary duct 102 and the guide track 104 may be configured to be supported, or suspended, from ceiling joists in the interior of facility 500.

The exhaust extraction system 100 further includes at least one carriage 110 that is movable along the guide track 104. The carriage 110 includes an exhaust duct 120 and a support frame 130 for supporting the exhaust duct in a fixed vertical position. The exhaust duct 120 and the support frame 130 are connected to each other. For example, the exhaust duct 120 may be affixed directly onto the support frame 130. The carriage 110 may be configured to be guided along the guide track 104 synchronously with the movement of a locomotive from which exhaust is to be extracted. For example, as the locomotive moves between the first location 170 and the second location 180, the carriage 110 may be configured to move in sync with the locomotive. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust extraction system 100 may include a plurality of carriages 110 that are independently movable along the guide track 104. For example, multiple different locomotives or vehicles may be concurrently serviced to extract exhaust gases when they are driven parallel to the guide track 104 and each of the carriages 110 is used to extract exhaust from a respective locomotive/vehicle. The carriages 110 may be positioned adjacent to each other along the guide track 104, the attainable position of each carriage 110 being delimited by the positions of its adjacent carriages 110 and/or the ends of the guide track 104.

The exhaust duct 120 has an outlet 122 at a first end and an inlet 124 at a second end opposite to the first end. Exhaust gas emitted from the locomotive is received through the inlet 124 of the exhaust duct 120. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust duct 120 comprises a duct pipe. For example, the exhaust duct 120 may be a duct pipe having an exhaust capture portion, such as an exhaust hood or similar capture panel, at the second end. The exhaust capture portion may have a funnel shape, i.e. widest at the opening and tapering toward the conduit portion of the duct pipe. In some embodiments, the exhaust capture portion may be adapted for connection to an exhaust pipe of the locomotive. That is, the exhaust duct 120 may be connected to the exhaust pipe such that gas emitted from the locomotive is channeled directly through the exhaust duct 120. For example, the exhaust capture portion may be adapted for mating engagement with an outer flange portion of an exhaust pipe of the locomotive.

The support frame 130 is configured to support the exhaust duct 120 at a fixed height above the ground, and substantially perpendicular to the stationary duct 102. In particular, the support frame 130 maintains the inlet 124 of the exhaust duct 120 at a desired vertical position as the carriage 110 moves along the guide track 104. In this way, the inlet 124 can be maintained at a fixed vertical position with respect to the exhaust outlet (i.e. pipe) of the locomotive. For example, the inlet 124 may be supported directly above the exhaust outlet of the locomotive as the locomotive moves throughout the facility 500. The vertical position of the inlet 124 may be varied by adjusting the support frame 130, which allows the exhaust extraction system 100 to be used with locomotives of varying height.

The support frame 130 may also be configured to support the exhaust duct 120 such that the inlet 124 is maintained a fixed horizontal distance away from the stationary duct 102. The locomotive may be driven along a section of the facility 500 from the first location 170 to the second location 180 when the locomotive is serviced using the exhaust extraction system 100. In particular, the locomotive may be driven substantially parallel to the stationary duct 102. The support frame 130 may thus maintain the inlet 124 in vertical alignment with an exhaust outlet of the locomotive. When the locomotive is in motion, the movement of the carriage 110 along the guide track 104 allows the inlet 124 to remain vertically aligned with the exhaust outlet of the locomotive. The horizontal position of the inlet 124 may be varied by adjusting the support frame 130, which allows the exhaust extraction system 100 to be used with locomotives of varying width. For example, the support frame may comprise a telescopic arm that is connected to the exhaust duct 120 and is horizontally adjustable in length.

In at least some embodiments, the guide track 104 comprises one or more stationary guide rails. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the guide track 104 may be a pair of parallel rails that are supported or suspended from ceiling joists. The guide track 104, in this example, is positioned vertically above the stationary duct 102. The carriage 110 may thus be configured for movement along the one or more guide rails. In particular, the carriage 110 may include one or more wheels that are rotatably mounted on the guide rails. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the carriage 210 is a trolley that is supported on guide rails 204. The exhaust duct 220 is suspended from the trolley and supported at a fixed vertical position, such that the inlet 224 of the exhaust duct 220 is maintained above the locomotive and the outlet 222 of the exhaust duct 220 makes contact with an upper portion of the stationary duct 202.

In some embodiments, the movement of carriage 110 along guide track 104 may be driven by an external power source that is coupled to the wheels of the carriage 110. For example, an electric motor may be drivingly coupled to the carriage wheels. The movement of the carriage 110 may be controlled, either manually or automatically, using a controller for the carriage 110. The wheels may, for example, be electrically connected to a control system that can be managed remotely (e.g. using a computing device). In some other embodiments, the carriage 110 may be drawn by the locomotive. For example, the exhaust duct 120 may be coupled directly to an exhaust pipe of the locomotive, and the carriage 110 may be configured to run freely along the guide track 104, drawn by the locomotive as it moves along from the first location 170 to the second location 180. In such embodiments, the exhaust duct 120 is detachable from the exhaust pipe, such that when the locomotive has reached an end position, the carriage 110 may be returned to its start position (e.g. first location).

The carriage 110 is operable to move the at least one cover flap 108 to uncover one or more of the plurality of openings 106 that align with the outlet 122 as the carriage 110 moves along the guide track 104. As the locomotive moves alongside the stationary duct 102, the carriage 110 also undergoes movement, along the guide track 104 and substantially in parallel with the locomotive. During this movement, the outlet 122 aligns with openings 106 at different locations along the duct wall 105. The carriage 110 is operable to move the at least one cover flap 108 such that the openings 106 that align with the outlet 122 are uncovered (i.e. moved from a closed position to an open position). In this way, the exhaust gas that is extracted from a locomotive and channeled in the exhaust duct 120 can be removed through the outlet 122 and the openings 106 aligning with the outlet 122, due to the suction created in the interior of the stationary duct 102 by suction source 103. Since the carriage 110 moves synchronously with the locomotive, the outlet 122 will align with different ones of the openings 106 during its movement, and exhaust gas in the exhaust duct 120 can be removed through said different openings 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example mechanism for moving the cover flap 108 to uncover one or more openings 106. In this embodiment, the support frame 130 supports the exhaust duct 102 such that at least part of the outlet 122 is slidably maintained between the duct wall 105 and the cover flap 108. In particular, a portion of the flexible cover flap 108 that is aligned with the position of the outlet 122 may be lifted by (and thereby rest on top of) at least part of the first end of the exhaust duct 120. For example, the exhaust duct 120 may have a flange portion defining the outlet 122 at the first end, and this flange portion may be slidably maintained below the cover flap 108. As the carriage 110 moves, the flange/outlet portion moves along the duct wall 105, lifting the cover flap 108 at different points and thereby uncovering the openings 106 which align with the flange/outlet portion. The openings 106 that are not aligned with the flange/outlet portion remain covered, or closed, due to the effect of suction created in the interior of stationary duct 102 on the cover flap 108. The exhaust gas that is channeled in the exhaust duct 120 is removed through the outlet 122 and those openings 106 that align with the outlet 122, also as a result of the suction in the interior of stationary duct 102.

Other mechanisms for uncovering the openings 106 may be employed for the exhaust extraction system 100 when there are multiple different cover flaps 108. For example, the carriage 110 may include one or more projections at the first end of the exhaust duct 120 that are configured to move a cover flap 108 for an opening 106 from closed to open position. For example, the projections may be retractable, such that during movement of the carriage 110 along the guide track 104, the projections remain in their retracted state until they are aligned with one or more of the openings 106. Each of the projections (e.g. retractable pin) may be configured to push against a respective cover flap 108 to cause the cover flap 108 to be displaced from the closed position. In particular, when a projection aligns with an opening 106, the projection may press against the cover flap 108, causing the cover flap 108 to swing inward, leaving the opening 106 uncovered. The projection may then partially extend into the interior space of stationary duct 102, keeping the cover flap 108 in the open position.

As another example, the carriage 110 may include magnetic components which can draw one or more of the cover flaps 108 to the open position when the magnetic components align with the respective openings 106. For example, the cover flaps 108 may include or have affixed thereon metal plates, and the cover flaps 108 may swing to the open position as a result of the magnetic force acting on the metal plates.

In at least some embodiments, the exhaust duct 120 may include a flange portion at the outlet 122, and the support frame 130 may support the exhaust duct 120 such that the flange presses against the exterior surface 190 of the duct wall 105 to form a substantially air-tight seal. This configuration may ensure that exhaust gas that is removed from the locomotive and channeled through the exhaust duct 120 flows through the outlet 122 into the stationary duct 102, without leaking.

It should be noted that one or more of the components of the exhaust extraction systems described herein may be used or employed independently. For example, the guide track (e.g. stationary rails) and a carriage that is movable on the guide track may be employed as part of an exhaust extraction system for locomotives, without using a stationary duct as set forth in the embodiments described above. The outlet of the exhaust duct may, for example, be connected to a hose, instead of a stationary duct, for removing the exhaust received through an inlet of the exhaust duct. As a further example, the exhaust duct may be movable by attaching, at one end, to an exhaust pipe of a locomotive, and being slidable along the exterior surface of the stationary duct. In particular, the exhaust duct may move with the locomotive without the use of a guide track/rail system.

The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this application. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present application. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described example embodiments may be selected to create alternative example embodiments including a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described example embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative example embodiments including a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present application as a whole. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. 

1. An exhaust gas extraction system for a train, comprising: a stationary duct extending longitudinally along a first axis, the stationary duct having a duct wall that defines a plurality of openings providing passage to an interior of the stationary duct; a suction source for creating suction in the interior of the stationary duct; at least one cover flap covering the plurality of openings, the at least one cover flap being positioned on an exterior surface of the duct wall; a guide track extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relation to the stationary duct; and a carriage that is movable along the guide track, the carriage including: an exhaust duct having an outlet at a first end and an inlet at a second end opposite to the first end, the inlet for receiving exhaust gas from a locomotive; and a support frame for supporting the exhaust duct in a fixed vertical position and substantially perpendicular to the stationary duct, wherein the carriage is operable to move the at least one cover flap to uncover one or more of the plurality of openings that align with the outlet as the carriage moves along the guide track.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged longitudinally in spaced relation to each other along an upper portion of the stationary duct.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the guide track comprises one or more guide rails and wherein the carriage is movably mounted on the one or more guide rails.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the guide track comprises a pair of parallel rails.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the carriage further includes one or more wheels that are rotatably mounted on the one or more guide rails.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the carriage comprises a trolley that is supported on the one or more guide rails.
 7. The system of claim 3, wherein the stationary duct and the one or more guide rails are configured to be supported from ceiling joists.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover flap is made of an elastic material and wherein the support frame supports the exhaust duct such that at least part of the outlet is slidably maintained between the duct wall and the at least one cover flap.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one cover flap comprises a single cover flap covering all of the plurality of openings.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust duct includes a flange at the first end and wherein the support frame supports the exhaust duct such that the flange cooperates with the exterior surface of the duct wall to form an air-tight seal.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover flap comprises a plurality of cover flaps, each cover flap covering a respective opening.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the carriage further includes one or more retractable projections that are configured to push against cover flaps for the plurality of openings to cause the cover flaps to be displaced from a closed position to an open position.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust duct comprises a duct pipe.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the support frame supports the exhaust duct such that the inlet is maintained a fixed horizontal distance away from the stationary duct.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust duct is affixed to the support frame.
 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electric motor which drives movement of the carriage along the guide track.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein spacing between adjacent openings on the duct wall is uniform.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the guide track is positioned vertically above the stationary duct.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings comprises at least one pair of openings that are aligned along a cross-sectional perimeter of the stationary duct.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the exhaust duct is configured for connection to an exhaust pipe of a locomotive. 